PBC holds memorial service for departed siblings
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, December 05 2021: Manipur's oldest Church Phungyo Baptist Church (PBC) organised a memorial service for its members late Thotshang Shaiza, a journalist, and his elder brother late Phungton Shaiza, a public leader, in the presence of family members, friends and colleagues at its premises here on Sunday.

The service reminisced about the two departed brothers who had rendered their services to their church, native village and social organisations in various capacities till their final days.

The duo died of the deadly Covid-19 infection.

Phungton Shaiza passed away on June 10 while Thotshang succumbed to the malaise two days later on June 13 this year.

Speaking at the service, PBC pastor Rev Zaklei Raping heartened the family members with the words of God.

He urged the families of Phungton and Thotshang to take heart with the assurance that they are safe in the hands of the Almighty.

"For the believers, death is not the end but it is only a way to heaven," he cheered up the families.

Rev Zaklei Raping also invoked divine blessings so the bereaved families could leave behind the grief and carry on with their lives.

During the service, Juliat Shaiza wife of Phungton, recalled how his beloved husband took keen interest in community services rather than finding a government job.

She said that her husband served as the convenor of Hunphun Covid-19 Committee.

He was also the brain child of the existing taxi services in Ukhrul town and was the advisor of the taxi service association till his last days.

Mingyashin, daughter of Thotshang, said that she wasn't badly shocked by her dad's passing, though it did come so suddenly, because she believed her father knew he was nearing the Pearly Gates.

"We are comforted by the belief that our dad is now in a better place yonder," she said.

Apart from serving Ukhrul District Working Journalists' Association (UDWJA) as its president for two consecutive terms, Thotshang also had the distinction of working with various social organisations including Tangkhul Leihsak Long, Tangkhul Naga Films Association, Ukhrul District Sports Association and others.

In his speech, PBC Assistant Pastor Rev Matthew Mung recounted the priceless contributions Phungton and Thotshang made for the growth of their church.

"Their passing is a big loss for all of us, which we can't regain," he remarked.

During the service, former National Women Commission member Soso Shaiza, PBC elder Mayopam, and journalists Sothing Shimray and R Lester Makang also shared their fond memories of their association with the two departed brothers.

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